Once upon a time, the families depicted in the media generally fit the nuclear mold: A mother, a father, a couple of kids, and a pet or grandparent thrown in for good measure. But we know families in our wide and wonderful world come in all shapes, sizes, and constructs, and the call for representation of diverse family structures, stories, and characters in popular culture is growing louder. Here’s a roundup of some LGBT+ popular media to share with your family* that celebrates and educates about the rainbow community.
Books that reflect the big wide world
Mommy, Mama, and Me, Lesléa Newman – A sweet rhythmic picture storybook about two mothers caring for their toddler – playing games, giving hugs – and the loving bond they share. With adorable illustrations by Carol Thompson, Mommy, Mama, and Me makes an ideal bedtime story for little ones. The dad-centric, Daddy, Papa, and Me, is equally as charming.
The Great Big Book of Families, Mary Hoffman – This fun and engaging treasury of different family structures, habits, and rituals is a celebration of families of all shapes and sizes. Ros Asquith’s illustrations are colorful and quirky – creating a book kids will enjoy dipping into again and again.
It’s Okay to Be Different, Todd Parr – A delightfully quirky picture book to teach children about diversity and tolerance, and feel good about who they are (“It’s okay to be adopted”, “It’s okay to be proud of yourself”). Simple, colorful illustrations and some unexpected turns (“It’s okay to eat macaroni and cheese in the bathtub”) create a fun and silly jaunt for young children and a conversation starter about acceptance.
Jack (Not Jackie), Erica Silverman – A creative partnership between GLAAD and Bonnier Publishing USA aimed at elevating positive LGBT+ representation in children’s literature, Jack (Not Jackie) is an engaging tale of gender identity, acceptance, and sibling love. Written by Erica Silverman through the eyes of Susan, a young girl learning to accept her sibling’s gender expression, and delightfully illustrated by Holly Hatam, this picture book achieves what it sets out to. The depiction of Jack’s compassionate and patient parents letting their child take the lead is a highlight.
Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag, Rob Sanders – An engaging picture book that tells the inspirational true story of activist and politician Harvey Milk and the history of the rainbow pride flag, with vibrant, expressive illustrations by Steven Salerno. A story of love, equality, and hope for the LGBT+ community.
What Makes a Baby: A Book for Every Kind of Family and Every Kind of Kid, Cory Silverberg – Written by sex educator and author Cory Silverberg and illustrated by Fiona Smyth, this is a truly inclusive picture book about conception, gestation, and birth that helps to explain where babies come from, no matter what your family construct.
An ABC of Equality, Chana Ginelle Ewing – A modern take on the alphabet book, this educational picture book with bright, adorable illustrations by Paulina Morgan, has a message to teach children and adults alike. Addressing categories like gender, race, class, and LGBT+ among others, it’s bound to spark a new conversation with every turn of the page.
And Tango Makes Three, Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell – An award-winning picture book inspired by two male penguins, Roy and Silo, at New York’s Central Park Zoo. With beautiful illustrations by Henry Cole, And Tango Makes Three introduces readers to the concepts of diverse family structures and identity – specifically, same-sex relationships and adoption – in an easy-to-understand way.
Keesha’s South African Adventure, Cheril N Clarke & Monica Bey-Clarke – A fascinating tale of a young girl and her two mothers’ South African adventure that will open imaginations and conversations. Keesha’s South African Adventure was written and published by same-sex couple and foster parents Cheril and Monica: “We first got the idea after we’d been married for a few years and were in the process of becoming foster parents,” notes Cheril. “We realized that [at the time] there really weren’t many books that highlighted families like ours so we decided to create them.” Illustrations by Julia Selyutina add color and excitement.
The Accidental Diary of B.U.G., Jen Carney – An inclusive comedy which includes adopted child Billie’s hilarious observations navigating school and life in a rainbow family. The first in a series of laugh-out-loud fiction for young readers.
Queer, There, and Everywhere, 23 People Who Changed the World, Sarah Prager – An LGBT+ history book for teens by activist Sarah Prager. Funny, thought-provoking, and beautifully illustrated, this picture book brings to life the rich heritage and remarkable stories of 23 people from every era in history who may have identified as LGBT+.
Symptoms of Being Human, Jeff Garvin – A powerful and celebratory portrait of a teen struggling with high school, relationships, and the challenges and complexity of identifying as gender-fluid, from this young adult fiction author.
Raised by Unicorns: Stories from People with LGBTQ+ Parents, Frank Lowe – A thoughtfully curated anthology of stories by children in rainbow families, Raised by Unicorns presents raw and powerful accounts of growing up in a household with LGBT+ parents and a lot of love.
This Is How It Always Is, Laurie Frankel – The story of a family’s unconditional love and acceptance of their transgender child, This Is How It Always Is is a heartwarming novel that will have you feeling all the feels.
Confessions of the Other Mother: Nonbiological Lesbian Moms Tell All! Harlyn Aizley – A collection of candid and celebratory essays about new-parenthood from nonbiological lesbian mothers that shines a light on an under-discussed topic.
Inclusive screen time
Queer Kid Stuff – LGBT+ and social justice videos for all ages from hosts Lindsay and Teddy. From ‘Learn your LGBTs’ to ‘How do you express your gender?’, this YouTube channel packs an educational punch, all in under 10-minute clips for families to watch and learn together. Plus, there’s a section ‘Just 4 Grown Ups’.
Pop ’n’ Olly – With a mission “to create a more accepting future world for LGBT+ people”, the Pop ‘n’ Olly YouTube channel presents age-appropriate and entertaining LGBT+/equality ‘edutainment’ for children using fun and colorful animations.
I Am Jazz – Reality TV show featuring transgender teen Jazz Jennings and the challenges faced growing up transgender, with positive messages of acceptance. Jazz has also co-authored a picture book of the same name that’s appropriate for young audiences, and written Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen – a memoir aimed at teens.
The Fosters – Family TV drama about the realities of teen life based around a foster family parented by a lesbian couple. Mild adult themes presented in a fun and interesting way with respectful messaging provides entertainment parents/caregivers and teens can share.
Steven Universe: The Movie (PG) – Based on the popular animated TV series Steven Universe, this animated film dishes up LGBT+ representation that is still somewhat lacking in other corners of children’s media. Themes of friendship, autonomy, acceptance, and learning from your mistakes take cartoons to a new emotionally intelligent level.
Love, Simon (M) – The first film by a major Hollywood studio to focus on a gay teen romance, Love, Simon is an inclusive romantic comedy-drama about acceptance, friendship, and love. Based on teen fiction, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, this funny, heartwarming and authentic film also boasts a spinoff TV series Love, Victor.
Breakfast with Scot (M) – Feel-good film about a same-sex couple who come to care for a young boy who is gender non-conforming. This comedy-drama positively addresses themes of self-acceptance and gender identity.
The term LGBT+ refers to people who identify as lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, intersexual, questioning/queer, asexual and other gender non-conforming identities.
*Age-appropriateness of the media listed varies, including some for mature audiences. Please refer to classifications in your region to determine suitability to the audience.
